The senior students at St. Mary High School readying for this week’s commencement ceremony will walk out of the gymnasium Friday night with more than a diploma. Those 20 teenagers will also take with them the legacy, tradition and faith that they share with thousands who came before them.

This year’s round of graduates mark the 100th class at Dell Rapids’ faith-based high school. Established in 1910 by the Catholic Church, St. Mary Academy began churning out life-long learners and graduated its first class in 1915.

St. Mary’s senior Anna Wolles spent this year serving as student body president. She said she’s humbled when she reflects on the history of the school and its impact on her family.

“I’m so proud to be a part of the tradition of Catholic education,” Wolles said. “I’m a third generation student so I’m very proud to go to school here.”

Although education and teaching standards are vastly different now than in 1915, Jesus Christ is still at the forefront of the St. Mary Catholic School day, she said.